The NFL is back and the Detroit Lions are first on deck.
It may be low stakes, but football is back tonight as the Lions will take on the Los Angeles Chargers at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
This game will be in addition to the three regular preseason games that both teams will be playing throughout August. The Lions will visit Atlanta on Aug. 8 for a game against the Falcons, then come home for their final two games against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 16 and against the Houston Texans on Aug. 23, both Saturday afternoon games.
As the Chargers and Lions try to avoid injuries with three more preseason games still on the docket after the Hall of Fame Game, neither team will be using their full roster. Lions coach Dan Campbell already announced that their top two draft picks from the 2025 draft, Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge, will not play. Backup quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen will lead the offense.
WHO’S OUT? Detroit Lions top two draft picks not expected to play in Thursday’s NFL Hall of Fame game
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Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh announced that “veteran traditional starters” will not take the field in Thursday’s game. Trey Lance will start as quarterback for the first half with rookie DJ Uigalelei scheduled for the second half.
The game will be broadcast on NBC with play-by-play from Mike Tirico, analysis from Cris Collinsworth and sideline reporting from Melissa Stark.
Local TV coverage (WDIV-TV in Detroit) is on the Lions TV Network with Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti, analyst T.J. Lang and sideline reporter Dannie Rogers. The local radio broadcast will feature Dan Miller on play-by-play and Lomas Brown on analysis.
NFL Hall of Fame Game: How to watch Lions vs Chargers
What: Pro Football Hall of Fame Game preseason opener.
Who: Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers.
Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio.
When: Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: NBC, Detroit Lions Television Network
Streaming: Fubo, Peacock.
Contact Matthew Auchincloss at [email protected].
